I thank all of you for logging on and taking an interest in my blog. I will try to answer everyones questions about the “real” of reality television and the feelings that existed between Antonio, myself, and the rest of the ladies.
The Audition process…
This is my motto…NO REGRETS. It’s the way I live my life and why I did the show.
(Also to maybe set an example and witness on some small level)
“Congratulations, You have been selected to fly to Hawaii and interview for the final round of the Sabato Jr. show”!
Now earlier that month, I had dreamed of missing the opportunity and not being apart of the show, which in my dream was being filmed at a tropical location. There were several ladies all gathered around to win some celebrity’s heart. In my mind I was a little disappointed that I had not received the call back but I know that what’s meant to be, happens.
And on that day I thought…they’d never call. So now to see if it would be possible to take a trip to Hawaii, after all I had never been to HI and always wanted to go. I could fly down there, check it all out and just come back after the weekend if things were looking down…
“How long will I be in Hawaii?” I ask. “You will leave on the 8th and possibly be there until the 6th of February depending on how much the producers like you,” the casting assistant, Sheryl says. “A month in Hawaii, leaving in a couple of weeks? Ugh…. I don’t know, can I call you back?”
My mother is not really jumping aboard like she usually would, my friend Kim was over and she was excited for me but a little iffy, also. I thought well there is a lot to take into consideration and I might as well start with negotiating pay. I could not afford to go for even a week with out compensation. After a few rounds of phone tag, Sheryl tells me that they can pay me and where can she send the contract? I tell her to send to my Mississippi home address and it arrives the next day. It is a novel. I would be signing my life over to be exposed and judged for everyone interested in Vh1 reality. Really? I ask myself.
I start to pray about it.
Just incase I run it by the owners of CO2, a wholesale cashmere business that I had been a part-time sales rep, Mondays-Wednesdays, for the past year and a half. Coco says, “ though she is completely against it, it’s ultimately my decision, and she would support me.” I then call my plastic surgeon that works for the surgery center that pays me for my services on Thursdays and Fridays, not realizing the time difference it is 8am on Sat. for him, he answers. I explain to him that I have been given this opportunity and what does he think. “If you’re asking if I’ll be mad at you, I won’t. Sounds like a good opportunity, your job will be waiting for you when you get back.” He says. “Thank you doctor. I will let you know what I decide.” And I hang up. Wow, I have just been cleared to take off for a month with no obligations and I am just waiting on God to give me peace in my heart that this is apart of his will.
I continue to pray.
I have read this contract novel and I continue to contemplate my decision. Do I really want my personal life available for public ridicule?
On January 6th the best casting director of reality television and I settle on compensation and terms of agreement and the contract is signed. I will be leaving in two days.
A trip by three great friends house to borrow their summer best, and two fake tans later. I am packed and ready to go off to what would become my home for the next 30 days of my life.
I will blow by the 4 days of captivity in the hotel room with my Orange County Jewish princess and get to the good stuff. I made the show…
The reality is real for the most part. In “scripted” reality there is not a script to follow, as far as memorizing lines, or playing a particular character, other than yourself. However there are character types that they cast and put together to get a drama filled show, which I think Doron Ofir did an amazing job. There were times when we were “guided” in the interview room so that the story could get told and when there are lights shinning on you, with no air condition, you’ll say anything!! The major part of “scripted” part of reality is our reactions. For instance, make it seem like we have never seen anything like this before, or ever had this much fun, or excitement EVER!!!!!
Four weeks later I am the last lady standing at Buddha Point with Antonio. We are able to have a weekend together in Hawaii before coming back to LA. It was great! We attended the wrap party for the show and had a blast, dancing and singing karaoke. The rest of the time we were held up in the hotel suite watching movies and ordering room service…it was like a two day honeymoon, without sex.
When we returned to LA we both continued our lives for a couple of weeks, dating other people. Yes, we both were seeing other people when we did the show. Once he decided to end it with the women he was seeing, I ended it with the man I was seeing and decided to give our romantic Hawaiian love quest, a fair chance. I would see Antonio 1-2 times a week and his lack of ability to lead or make plans was concerning to me. This continued for a couple of months and there was just a lack of trust that existed between us and eventually he wasn’t getting what he needed and I wasn’t either. So we then decided to see other people, which is how I wanted it to be from the beginning, and I never heard from him again. I am not bitter at all. I don’t feel it is a great loss. He is a great guy, just not for me.
I have remained friends with Monique, Tania and Miranda. Tully and I communicate through facebook occasionally. There are no hard feelings between myself and any of the other women, that I am aware of.
Thank you again for visiting my site and for your interest in the show. I will continue to update regularly and answer any of your questions you might have!!
Peace and love,
Brooke